universal

[yoo-nuh-vur-suhl] / ˌyu nəˈvɜr səl /

ADJECTIVE

worldwide, entire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

broad common comprehensive extensive global prevalent ubiquitous unlimited

STRONG

catholic cosmopolitan empyrean general generic regular sweeping total whole

WEAK

accepted all all over all-embracing all-inclusive astronomical celestial cosmic customary diffuse ecumenical multinational mundane omnipresent planetary stellar terrestrial undisputed unrestricted usual widespread worldly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

limited narrow rare restricted scarce uncommon

STRONG

abnormal exclusive extraordinary incomplete individual partial particular specific unusual

WEAK

confined local

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A slew of wishes echoed the universal yearnings for health, wealth and true love.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

There is no such thing as a universal experience in this country-sized city.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

Bemporad was a collaborator with the elder Pulte on a project of profound personal importance: Crafting a prayer for peace so universal it would foster world peace.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

France President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to "a great artist who transformed an Iranian childhood into a universal fable".

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Some theorists even believe that there can be no universal definition of music because it is so culturally specific.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Vocabulary lists containing universal

Power Prefix: uni-

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Four Power Prefixes: anti-, con-, inter-, and uni-.

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Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices

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